Ecopro BM and Samsung SDI Join Forces on All-Solid-State Batteries... Targeting Commercialization by 2027

Joint Development of Sulfide-Based Solid Electrolytes and All-Solid-State Cathode Materials
Expanding Collaboration from Cell Development to Core Materials and Mass Production Systems

Ecopro BM is joining forces with Samsung SDI in developing core materials and building a supply chain, aiming for the commercialization of sulfide-based all-solid-state batteries next year.

Ecopro BM announced on the 6th that it has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Samsung SDI for cooperation in developing materials for all-solid-state batteries. The two companies plan to strengthen collaboration from the early stages of development through quality assessment and mass production system establishment, with the goal of enhancing the technological completeness and business competitiveness of all-solid-state batteries.

Image of all-solid-state battery materials unveiled by Ecopro BM at InterBattery in March. Ecopro BM

Under the agreement, Samsung SDI will be responsible for developing all-solid-state battery cells and advancing mass production technology. Ecopro BM will be in charge of developing core materials for all-solid-state batteries. The two companies will expand the scope of their cooperation to include not just cathode materials for all-solid-state batteries, but also electrolytes for cathodes and electrolytes for separators.

All-solid-state batteries are next-generation batteries that use a solid electrolyte instead of the conventional liquid electrolyte. They are considered key technologies for future industries such as electric vehicles and humanoid robots, as they can improve energy density and safety.

Ecopro BM has secured proprietary processing technology in the field of sulfide-based solid electrolytes, a core material for all-solid-state batteries, and operates a pilot plant with an annual capacity of 40 tons. Leveraging its powder control and quality management technologies, the company is enhancing its competitiveness in solid electrolytes while also developing cathode materials optimized for solid electrolytes using its high-nickel cathode technology.

Based on its sulfide-based solid electrolyte technology, Ecopro BM was also selected in August for the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy's "Super Eul Project." The Super Eul Project is an R&D support program designed to foster materials, parts, and equipment companies capable of leading global supply chains. The government plans to support each selected company with more than 20 billion won of long-term R&D funding per project over at least seven years.

Last month, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy released the "Battery Industry Technology Roadmap," designating all-solid-state batteries as a key strategic technology for the future battery industry. The government plans to support the early commercialization of next-generation batteries by strengthening joint R&D and supply chain cooperation systems among cell and materials companies.

Ecopro BM previously unveiled a full value chain roadmap for all-solid-state batteries at a company briefing in July. At the time, Bohyun Kong, Executive Vice President of R&D at Ecopro BM, stated regarding solid electrolytes, "We are currently reviewing demonstration-scale production with major customers, and the earliest possible timing for mass production is expected to be 2027," adding, "We have completed the design for the mass production line and are preparing to begin construction immediately in response to customer demand."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.